System and method for reducing particulate matter in connectors for a wellsite drilling operation

Abstract

A connector system for reducing particulate matter may include a first unit for supplying signals and a second unit for receiving and/or relaying the signals. The signals may be for power generation and/or communications. A coupling may be positioned between the first unit and second unit. The coupling may include a center pin attached to the first unit and for receiving a signal at a first potential. The coupling may further include an outer case attached to the first unit and for receiving a signal at a second potential. The coupling may also have a seal and a spring. The seal and spring may surround the outer case. The spring may engage the second unit and may pass signals between the first unit and the second unit. The spring may comprise a canted coil spring for supporting load forces and for passing electrical current.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A breakable coupling mechanism comprising:
 a center pin supporting a first electrical potential; 
 an outer case supporting a second electric potential different from the first electric potential; 
 a hollow member for receiving the outer case; 
 a fluid seal between the outer case and the hollow member; and 
 a spring surrounding the outer case and positioned between the hollow member and the outer case for conducting a signal and which permits movement of the outer case relative to the hollow member, the spring comprising a canted coil spring for supporting load forces and for passing electrical current. 
 
     
     
       2. The coupling mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the signal supplies at least one of communication and power. 
     
     
       3. The coupling mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the spring is a first spring, coupling mechanism further comprising a second spring surrounding the center pin. 
     
     
       4. The coupling mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the spring rests in a groove that is formed by the outer case and the hollow member. 
     
     
       5. The coupling mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the center pin, the outer case, the hollow member, and spring are made from metal. 
     
     
       6. The coupling mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the outer case comprises a groove and a seal for preventing fluid from moving between the hollow member and the outer case. 
     
     
       7. A connector system for reducing particulate matter within the system comprising:
 a first unit; 
 a second unit; 
 a breakable coupling positioned between the first unit and second unit comprising:
 a center pin attached to the first unit and having a first potential; 
 an outer case attached to the first unit and having a second potential different from the first potential; 
 a fluid seal surrounding the outer case; 
 a spring surrounding the outer case and for engaging the second unit and for passing a signal between the first unit and the second unit. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the signal supplies at least one of communication and power between the first and second units. 
     
     
       9. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the first unit and second unit are part of an oil drilling system. 
     
     
       10. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the fluid seal is dispositioned between the outer case and a receiving cylinder of the second unit. 
     
     
       11. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the fluid seal is dispositioned in a groove formed in the outer case and a receiving cylinder of the second unit. 
     
     
       12. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the fluid seal is an O-ring. 
     
     
       13. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the spring comprises a canted coil spring for supporting load forces and for passing electrical current. 
     
     
       14. The connector system of  claim 13 , wherein the spring rests in a groove that is formed by the outer case and a receiving cylinder of the second unit. 
     
     
       15. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the spring is a first spring, the system further comprising a second spring surrounding the center pin and for engaging the second unit. 
     
     
       16. The connector system of  claim 15 , wherein the second spring rests in a groove that is formed in the center pin. 
     
     
       17. The connector system of  claim 7 , wherein the first unit comprises a radiation generator and the second unit comprises a power supply. 
     
     
       18. The connector system of  claim 17 , wherein the radiation generator comprises at least one of a neutron tube and an x-ray tube.